Someone named Tomasz Waclawek is making a side-scrolling stealth game, with mouse-controlled jumping, set in office blocks with smashable windows, and which he himself describes as a “Gunpoint ripoff”. The game is called Ronin, and it’s time I did something about it. Specifically, it’s time I did a Let’s Play about it, because it’s really fucking cool.

It’s clearly not a Gunpoint ripoff, because the core mechanics are so different. A lot of what it does copy is superficial, and that stuff doesn’t matter. But the jump is pretty central, and if that was directly taken from Gunpoint, I’m delighted. I wouldn’t want anyone to reuse Gunpoint’s artwork or music, but the ideas in it are absolutely there for the taking. Every non-standard thing about it, from the jumping controls to the saving system, I did because I wanted more games to be that way. If there’s actually a case where Gunpoint caused more games to work this way, that’s a huge thrill for me.

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Crane: The bright circle around the enemy ninja after you killed him was a blast radius indicator for some kind of suicide bomb. I had just enough time to think "Ooh, you probably shouldn't move into-" before you died.

I think, by the way, that the reason he copied some of the more trivial things from Gunpoint was because Gunpoint did those things in a good way. Sorry, that sounds pathetically obvious; let me elaborate: Gunpoint did simple things in a good way, therefore by copying those things directly from Gunpoint you don't need to worry that your way will be bad. Obviously, if they didn't suit the game and you still lifted them directly that would be a problem, but if that isn't the case then there's no reason not to.

As for the UI, the weird way it's all based on little circular items makes me suspect it's being designed with a mobile version in mind. It looks smartphony to me.

RodeoClown: There's definitely some Mark of the Ninja elements in there too. Looks like he's off to good start!

Rukumouru: Tom Francis, mad respect. My hat is blown off of my head by the sheer shockwave of class emitted by this post.

Leon Oscar Kidando: This looks like a really awesome game. And I think that if devs like it to the point that they are creating "similar" titles, then congrats Tom on creating a sub-genre (or even sub-sub-genre).

You response makes sense. Both games look great. I just hope to see more from the many creative and talented devs out there

PeterK: Ha! Just finding this, and laughing at how he is disappointed it's not a clone. :)

Nosada: So I loved Gunpoint, I'm probably gonna love Ronin more, since I'm useless at real-time stuff. None of that matters, what matters is that the sheer awesomeness of both you guys has guaranteed I will be buying whatever next comes out of your insane noggins.

Well played, gentlemen, well played.

Mike: Was at PAX East 2015 this weekend and missed out on playing this Ronin game. Saw how similar the art style and jumping were and just walked away thinking it was a just a knockoff of your game. Wish I saw this post before. Oh well.

Roger Muppet: I'm surprised you see this in such a good way!

I would have not considered buying Ronin if i hadn't read your post - because it really looks like a blatant ripoff!

But if your intention was to give some new elements to the video-game scene, then here's the proof that you are a truly humble person.

Love & Respect from Germany.

Captain Cyberion: So, I see that Ronin is finally out and some of the style reminds me quite a bit of Gunpoint. However, Gunpoint is more than jumping and breaking glass, both of which are very satisfying. But there is also punching; lots and lots and lots of punching. That's too awesome for words. Time to go back and punch that guy like 100 times so I can see the messages about my abuse of kinetic force. There is also the rewire system -- also super awesomeness!
But what really sets that game apart is the atmosphere created by the incredible soundtrack, the great artwork, and the gritty story. So I still put Gunpoint at the top of my list of indie favorites. But when Ronin get's a bit cheaper, I will probably play that too; and think about how much I want to repeatedly punch bad guys.
Thanks punches Tom!!

Michael: Just wanted to point out - to anyone interested - that Ronin is now on Steam.

Developer Praises Rip-Off Of His Game… To The Disappointment Of Its Creator | Kotaku Australia: […] posted the the entire 17-minute Let’s Play on his blog (though you can also watch it above) and after giving it a good bash, concluded that the core […]